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Hong kong and Macau Travel

Im travelling to Hong kong and Macau, but Im thinking to visit Macau first. If I travel to Macau form Hong kong airport without going through immigration , how do I travel back from Macau to Hong Kong for stay

If you plan to travel to Macau first after arriving at Hong Kong International Airport, it is important to understand how immigration and border control works, as there is no way to bypass immigration entirely between Hong Kong and Macau.

Here is a detailed explanation:

1. Traveling from Hong Kong Airport to Macau:

  • All passengers arriving at Hong Kong International Airport must clear Hong Kong immigration and customs if they intend to leave Hong Kong, even for a short transfer to Macau.
  • You can take a direct airport-to-Macau ferry shuttle (TurboJET or Cotai Water Jet). These ferries depart from Hong Kong Airport’s SkyPier. To use SkyPier, you must be on a connecting flight ticket and have your documents ready, as this service is only available for transfer passengers without entering Hong Kong formally. If you intend to stay in Macau overnight, you cannot use the SkyPier transfer option and must first enter Hong Kong officially, then travel to Macau by ferry or bridge.

2. Returning from Macau to Hong Kong:

  • When returning to Hong Kong from Macau, you must clear both Macau and Hong Kong immigration.
  • Ferry services operate regularly between Macau (Outer Harbour or Taipa terminals) and Hong Kong (Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan or Hong Kong International Airport via SkyPier). Choose your terminal depending on your Hong Kong accommodation location.
  • If you want to stay in Hong Kong, you will need to officially enter Hong Kong through Hong Kong immigration. Carry your passport and any necessary visas if applicable for entry.
  • Travel time by ferry from Macau to central Hong Kong is about 55–60 minutes; from Macau to Hong Kong Airport via SkyPier it is roughly 40–50 minutes.

3. Alternative Option:

  • Consider arriving in Hong Kong, clearing immigration, and staying at a nearby hotel if needed. Then, the next day, travel to Macau via regular ferry or the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge shuttle bus. This approach allows more flexibility and avoids the restrictions of SkyPier transfers.

In summary, you cannot travel from Hong Kong airport to Macau for an overnight stay without passing through immigration. For overnight stays in Macau, you must enter Hong Kong formally first or use regular ferry services from Hong Kong city or airport, then clear Macau immigration. Returning to Hong Kong will always require Hong Kong immigration clearance.

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